London Shop-Worker Detained and Awaits Deportation After Living In The UK For 27 years

A north London shop-worker that has lived in the UK for over 27 years is now facing deportation since immigration officers detained him.

Stojan Jankovic, a 52 year old employee at Earth Natural Foods located in Camden, London, worked in the shop for 15 years, however he is currently held in a Dorset detention center as officials try to deport him.

History in the UK

Jankovic came to the UK in 1991 after leaving the Republic of Yugoslavia, however his application filed for asylum was reportedly refused.

It’s believed his leave to remain visa expired back in 1999, however he was working and paid taxes since that time without an issue.

John Grayson, Jankovic’s boss, describes him in an interview with the Camden New Jourlas as being “kindly, avuncular, cheerful and reliable”.

“I don’t think he’s had a day off sick in the 15 years he’s worked for us”, mentioned Grayson.

“This has been his home and his work and his community for the last 27 years. He’s known to hundreds if not thousands of people in Kentish Town as the bloke with a beard that serves in our shop.”

Local resident Anne Hall who met Jankovic 15 years ago, stated: “He was very special. He was always so lovely. He is a very educated, peace-loving man. I just can’t believe it, I think we’re becoming a police state.”

Arrest

Jankovic had been arrested after attending his weekly visit to the immigration reporting facility Thursday.

“He’s done that once a month for ten years, just so they know where he is”, said Grayson.

“Yesterday, with no warning, they didn’t let him go and bundled him into a back of a van. It was totally out of the blue, from his point of view and ours.”

Wheen asked what changed to result in the employees arrest, Grayson stated: “The Tories took over, that’s what’s happened. Discretion has gone out the window and the Home Office can do whatever they want.”